MIAMI — Stephen Strasburg, in a slump? Say it ain't so. OK, the word "slump" may be a bit excessive, but the right-hander has lost three straight starts for the first time in his career and has put 23 men on base over his last 15 innings. Those are very un-Strasburg-like numbers.

The All-Star hurler will try to get back on track today when he faces the Marlins in a matinee under the roof. Shouldn't have to worry at all about heat or humidity inside this facility.

Ricky Nolasco starts for Miami, and he'll face a Nats lineup that is without Ian Desmond for the first time since April 19 but may be without him for several days. Desmond's lingering left oblique strain got worse last night (which is why he was bunting in the ninth inning instead of swinging away). Davey Johnson said this morning he's hopeful Desmond won't need a DL stint, but just in case this lasts multiple days, he's putting Danny Espinosa at shortstop and Steve Lombardozzi at second.

Full story on that situation forthcoming. In the meantime, check back here for live game updates…

The Fish's more expensove version of Henri.Heath Bell is 34, Henry is 25 (as you so quickly pointed out). Now, who would you rather have? I'd rather keep trying Henry at age 25 until he completely implodes. If he doesn't he may just turn out to be a good reliever if not great.

peric, why so defensive. Did you think he was talking about you?Well, I wasn't, at the time, but now that you mention it … There are some people who are never wrong, just ask them. I'm not one of them.

On Woody's 100th, might we retire "God Bless America" and sing "This Land Is Your Land" instead?How about something completely non-political, non-arrogant, non-chauvanistic (the real meaning of the word), older, and really lovely in the folk genre? Like "Oh, Shenadoah".

peric" arent we already 'talking politics' when one poster voices disdain for God Bless America, and a sister poster votes for Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land" in its stead?Very slick if they think they weren't talking politics.

I'm making book that Ozzie is not the manager in Miami next year — he has done a sub-par job.While Ozzie can't hit or throw himself, it's simply his job to get the job done. And he is not getting it done.Fire the bastard.

Well, that was exciting. I sure hope the Bryce is okay. Steve, and others, I consider myself to be patriotic, but I've enough of the over-nationalism at sporting events.I there to watch a baseball game, not to a bloody Amway rally. Start the game with the anthem, and then play ball. If there needs to be another anthem, let it be a Washinton National's fight song.

Who are these stiff, weird, strangers in the seats usually occupied by Johnny and Ray? I've seen them before, but have no idea where they come from.The interview among them and F.P.was a little awkward I thought.

Nat's Lady: Are you being funny, acerbic, or just a blubbering idiot? Clippard does not put runners on base on purpose. And FP was definitely and most assuredly kidding — as no sane person would think otherwise.Do you live to be a nut case idiot?